[en] New trends in the study of radiation effects in nitrogen solids with a focus on the defect-induced processes are presented. An electron beam of subthreshold energy was used to generate radiation defects via electronic subsystem. Experimental techniques developed enabled us to detect neutral and charged defects of both signs. Defect production and desorption were monitored using optical and current emission spectroscopy: cathodoluminescence CL, thermally stimulated luminescence TSL and exoelectron emission TSEE along with the detection of postdesorption. Our results show stabilization and accumulation of radiation defects – ionic centres of both signs (N₄ ⁺, N₃ ⁺, N₃ ^-), trapped electrons and radicals (N, N₃). The neutralization reactions: N₄ ⁺+e^-→N₄ ^*→N₂ ^*(a‘¹Σ_u ^-)+N₂ ^*(a‘¹Σ_u ^-) +Δ E ₁ →N₂ +N₂ +2 hν +Δ E ₂ and N₃ ⁺+e^-→N^*(²D)+N₂(¹Σ_g ⁺)+Δ E ₃→N(⁴S) + N₂(¹Σ_g ⁺) +h γ +Δ E ₃ are shown to be the basis of defect production and anomalous low-temperature post-desorption ALTpD. The part played by pre-existing and radiation-induced defects in energy storage is discussed. (paper)